10 Things You Didn’t Know About the U.S. Capitol (And One That Will Leave You Speechless)

The U.S. Capitol stands tall as a symbol of American democracy, perched proudly at the eastern end of the National Mall. With its iconic dome and neoclassical façade, it’s one of the most recognized buildings in the world. But beyond its imposing appearance and televised congressional sessions, the Capitol hides a treasure trove of fascinating, quirky, and even bizarre stories.

Here are 10 little-known facts about the U.S. Capitol—and one jaw-dropping surprise you’ll be telling everyone about.

1. It Wasn’t Built All at Once

Many people assume the Capitol was constructed in one continuous project. In reality, it’s a patchwork of expansion and redesign. Construction began in 1793, but major additions—including the massive cast-iron dome—came decades later, during the Civil War. In fact, the dome we now associate with the Capitol replaced an earlier, much smaller wooden version.

2. It Has a Crypt… But No One’s Buried There

Yes, the Capitol has a crypt. Located directly beneath the Rotunda, it was originally designed to hold the remains of George Washington. However, Washington’s will stated he wanted to be buried at Mount Vernon, and his family never allowed the move. Today, the crypt is empty—except for historical exhibits and the echo of what could have been.

3. The Statue of Freedom on Top Almost Had a Fez

The statue atop the Capitol dome, known as the Statue of Freedom, nearly looked very different. When the original design featured a liberty cap (associated with freed slaves in ancient Rome), Secretary of War Jefferson Davis objected, saying it was too strongly tied to slavery. The designer replaced it with a Roman-style helmet and eagle feathers—a compromise still visible today.

4. A British Invasion Burned It Down

During the War of 1812, British forces set fire to the Capitol on August 24, 1814. The interior was destroyed, and only the outer walls remained. Reconstruction began almost immediately and took years. Today, few visitors realize they’re walking through a reconstructed and reimagined version of the original.

5. There's a Whispering Gallery

Inside the National Statuary Hall, once used by the House of Representatives, there's an acoustic anomaly known as the “whispering gallery.” Due to the room's curved shape, a person standing on one side can hear a whisper from someone on the opposite end—nearly 100 feet away. It’s one of D.C.’s most delightful party tricks.

6. Each State Donates Statues… and They Can Swap Them

The National Statuary Hall Collection contains statues representing all 50 states, with each state allowed to donate two. But here's the kicker: states can swap out their statues when they feel it's time to honor someone new. In recent years, several states have replaced long-standing statues with more modern or inclusive figures.

7. Underground Tunnels Connect the Capitol to the Rest of D.C.

Beneath the Capitol lies a network of tunnels and trains used to shuttle members of Congress, staff, and journalists between the Capitol and surrounding office buildings. These tunnels are functional but also feature hidden art galleries, cafeterias, and even a barbershop.

8. A Congressman Once Pulled a Gun During a Debate

In 1850, tempers flared so intensely during a debate on the House floor that Congressman Edward Stanly of North Carolina drew a pistol. Thankfully, he didn’t fire, but the moment highlights just how heated American politics have been—even centuries ago. Another member later commented that it was “as dangerous to serve in Congress as it was to fight in the Mexican War.”

9. There Are Cats Hidden in the Architecture

If you look closely at the columns and stone carvings throughout the Capitol, you might spot something unusual: cats. That’s right—stone carvers in the 1800s sometimes included cats in their decorative work, likely as symbols of guardianship. They're hard to spot, but once you see them, you’ll never unsee them.

10. The Capitol Was Once a Giant Chicken Coop (Sort Of)

During World War II, the Capitol’s east front lawn was home to Victory Gardens—a public initiative encouraging Americans to grow their own food. Among the rows of vegetables? Chickens. Dozens of them. The most powerful place in the country briefly played host to egg-laying hens for the war effort. It’s a humble, hilarious chapter in the building’s long history.

And the One That Will Leave You Speechless…

There’s a Tomb—and It’s Guarded by a Ghost

Rumors have long swirled about a ghostly figure that roams the Capitol at night. The most famous of these legends involves a Civil War-era guard who swore to protect the Capitol—even after death. Supposedly, his ghost still patrols the halls with a lantern in hand. But here’s where it gets really strange:

The Capitol’s cornerstone, laid in 1793 by George Washington, has never been found. It's believed to be sealed within the building—but no one knows where. Countless attempts to locate it, even with modern scanning equipment, have failed. Some say it's cursed. Others believe it was buried intentionally in a place that only a few ever knew.

Regardless of the truth, the mystery of the missing cornerstone—and the ghost that guards it—is one of the Capitol's most chilling unsolved puzzles.

The U.S. Capitol is more than just a place where laws are made—it's a layered, living monument filled with history, legend, and the occasional secret chicken. From strange design choices to eerie tales, it proves that even the most serious places have their quirks.

So next time you visit, look beyond the statues and chambers. You might just spot a carved cat, walk through a whispering hallway, or sense the spirit of history lingering in the air.

And remember: sometimes the strangest stories are hiding in plain sight.

10 Things You Didn’t Know About the U.S. Capitol (And One That Will Leave You Speechless)

The U.S. Capitol stands tall as a symbol of American democracy, perched proudly at the eastern end of the National Mall. With its iconic dome and neoclassical façade, it’s one of the most recognized buildings in the world. But beyond its imposing appearance and televised congressional sessions, the Capitol hides a treasure trove of fascinating, quirky, and even bizarre stories.

Here are 10 little-known facts about the U.S. Capitol—and one jaw-dropping surprise you’ll be telling everyone about.

1. It Wasn’t Built All at Once

Many people assume the Capitol was constructed in one continuous project. In reality, it’s a patchwork of expansion and redesign. Construction began in 1793, but major additions—including the massive cast-iron dome—came decades later, during the Civil War. In fact, the dome we now associate with the Capitol replaced an earlier, much smaller wooden version.

2. It Has a Crypt… But No One’s Buried There

Yes, the Capitol has a crypt. Located directly beneath the Rotunda, it was originally designed to hold the remains of George Washington. However, Washington’s will stated he wanted to be buried at Mount Vernon, and his family never allowed the move. Today, the crypt is empty—except for historical exhibits and the echo of what could have been.

3. The Statue of Freedom on Top Almost Had a Fez

The statue atop the Capitol dome, known as the Statue of Freedom, nearly looked very different. When the original design featured a liberty cap (associated with freed slaves in ancient Rome), Secretary of War Jefferson Davis objected, saying it was too strongly tied to slavery. The designer replaced it with a Roman-style helmet and eagle feathers—a compromise still visible today.

4. A British Invasion Burned It Down

During the War of 1812, British forces set fire to the Capitol on August 24, 1814. The interior was destroyed, and only the outer walls remained. Reconstruction began almost immediately and took years. Today, few visitors realize they’re walking through a reconstructed and reimagined version of the original.

5. There's a Whispering Gallery

Inside the National Statuary Hall, once used by the House of Representatives, there's an acoustic anomaly known as the “whispering gallery.” Due to the room's curved shape, a person standing on one side can hear a whisper from someone on the opposite end—nearly 100 feet away. It’s one of D.C.’s most delightful party tricks.

6. Each State Donates Statues… and They Can Swap Them

The National Statuary Hall Collection contains statues representing all 50 states, with each state allowed to donate two. But here's the kicker: states can swap out their statues when they feel it's time to honor someone new. In recent years, several states have replaced long-standing statues with more modern or inclusive figures.

7. Underground Tunnels Connect the Capitol to the Rest of D.C.

Beneath the Capitol lies a network of tunnels and trains used to shuttle members of Congress, staff, and journalists between the Capitol and surrounding office buildings. These tunnels are functional but also feature hidden art galleries, cafeterias, and even a barbershop.

8. A Congressman Once Pulled a Gun During a Debate

In 1850, tempers flared so intensely during a debate on the House floor that Congressman Edward Stanly of North Carolina drew a pistol. Thankfully, he didn’t fire, but the moment highlights just how heated American politics have been—even centuries ago. Another member later commented that it was “as dangerous to serve in Congress as it was to fight in the Mexican War.”

9. There Are Cats Hidden in the Architecture

If you look closely at the columns and stone carvings throughout the Capitol, you might spot something unusual: cats. That’s right—stone carvers in the 1800s sometimes included cats in their decorative work, likely as symbols of guardianship. They're hard to spot, but once you see them, you’ll never unsee them.

10. The Capitol Was Once a Giant Chicken Coop (Sort Of)

During World War II, the Capitol’s east front lawn was home to Victory Gardens—a public initiative encouraging Americans to grow their own food. Among the rows of vegetables? Chickens. Dozens of them. The most powerful place in the country briefly played host to egg-laying hens for the war effort. It’s a humble, hilarious chapter in the building’s long history.

And the One That Will Leave You Speechless…

There’s a Tomb—and It’s Guarded by a Ghost

Rumors have long swirled about a ghostly figure that roams the Capitol at night. The most famous of these legends involves a Civil War-era guard who swore to protect the Capitol—even after death. Supposedly, his ghost still patrols the halls with a lantern in hand. But here’s where it gets really strange:

The Capitol’s cornerstone, laid in 1793 by George Washington, has never been found. It's believed to be sealed within the building—but no one knows where. Countless attempts to locate it, even with modern scanning equipment, have failed. Some say it's cursed. Others believe it was buried intentionally in a place that only a few ever knew.

Regardless of the truth, the mystery of the missing cornerstone—and the ghost that guards it—is one of the Capitol's most chilling unsolved puzzles.

The U.S. Capitol is more than just a place where laws are made—it's a layered, living monument filled with history, legend, and the occasional secret chicken. From strange design choices to eerie tales, it proves that even the most serious places have their quirks.

So next time you visit, look beyond the statues and chambers. You might just spot a carved cat, walk through a whispering hallway, or sense the spirit of history lingering in the air.

And remember: sometimes the strangest stories are hiding in plain sight.